Frederic N. Wagner, Clinton, WI (1933-2014)

Frederic N. Wagner, 80, of Clinton, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. He was born on Dec. 25, 1933, in Freeport, IL, the son of Paul and Margaret (May) Wagner. He graduated in 1952, from Freeport High School and in 1956, from the University of Colorado, with a degree in Journalism. Fred married Marlene Ann Lincoln of Dakota, IL, on Sept. 21, 1963, at St. Paul United Church of Christ near Davis, IL. Following stateside service in the U.S. Army from 1956-58, Fred's lifetime career was in the newspaper business. He owned and published the Mirror-Democrat in Mount Carroll, IL, then became editor of the Sheboygan Press, followed by becoming editor of the Belvidere Daily Republican. He, then, purchased The Clinton Topper, which he published for 16 years. Upon semi-retirement in 1994, he continued to write part-time for the paper for a number of years.

Fred was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Clinton, where he served on the church council for six years. Later, he also joined Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church. He helped form and served on the Clinton Community Historical Society’s Sesquicentennial Book Committee in 1987, and was a member of the Society. Fred also assisted with the Clinton Alfalfa Days programs, and later was a member of the Water Tower Festival Committee. He was a former member of the Clinton Kiwanis Club.

Fred was a long-time docent for the Lincoln-Tallman Restorations in Janesville, a house museum restored by the Rock County Historical Society. He was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, and a Golden Member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, receiving a "Most Improved Newspaper” award at a state convention soon after purchasing The Clinton Topper.

Fred enjoyed reading, especially that which related to history, and watching historical documentaries, political discussions, and also sports events, including Wisconsin Badger football and basketball games and Packer games. He also enjoyed listening to classical and Broadway music. He was most appreciative of the love of his kind, thoughtful, generous, and supportive family.

Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlene. He is survived by two sons, Jim (Dana) of Milwaukee, WI, and Paul (Sherry) of San Francisco, CA; a brother, Mark (Susie) of Freeport, IL; a cousin Frederic 'Ted' Nugent of Holland, MI; 12 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Linda Lincoln; and a brother-in-law, David (Cyndi) Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25th, at JEFFERSON PRAIRIE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 23184 Bergen Road, Poplar Grove, IL, 61065, with Rev. Thomas Groth officiating. Private burial services for the family will be at Gund Cemetery near Freeport, IL. DALEY MURPHY WISCH & ASSOCIATES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with the arrangements.

Memorials may be given in Fred's name to Jefferson Prairie Church or the Clinton Community Historical Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com.